My wife just returned from a trip so I will share her experience with you all. She had an emergency trip to Ireland (her home country) because her grandmother passed away. She left on Feb 15, and returned Feb 21. I did not go with her (I'm a Canadian citizen, and her sponsor) and I was really worried about her 'in process' inland application, and the potential to have it cancelled. I was more worried because her current visa (IEC Visa) only had 5 months remaining on it, in my opinion that would be more reason for a border officer to ask questions. Unbeknownst to us, her OWP was already issued at that point, we just hadn't received it in the mail (we did yesterday).
She arrived in Toronto and walked up to the border services desk. She had everything in her had to hand to the officer, before they asked (Passport, landing card, work visa and boarding card for her onward flight to Calgary). She said hi, the border services agent looked at the documents, first glanced at the IEC Visa then asked her where she lived, she answered, next he asked where she works in Calgary, she answered, next he asked what she does there, she answered. He handed back the IEC Visa, then glanced at the landing card and asked the reason for such a short trip, she answered (grandmother passed), then he scribbled on her landing card, stamped her passport (same page as all other Canada entry stamps, so he would have noticed them) handed everything back, and said have a nice day. My wife is sure he didn't look at his computer at all (not sure what they can even see there). Super simple easy process, and away she went.
It's worth noting, my wife wasn't nervous at all, only I was, sitting at home sweating. She would not have been demonstrating any nervousness or anything like that, which may have prompted them to ask questions further. She also noted that it wasn't very busy, all lines were open, and it appeared it may have only been her flight (from Dublin) and maybe one other flight going through at the same time. It went very quickly.
I'm not suggesting this means everyone can travel. We should consider, and are reminded often, if a border agent sees a reason to deny you, or is otherwise having a bad day, you could be denied entry. It seems to me it happens rarely, however any trip you are considering is a risk, so stay put if you are able to. I hope this helps!
Glen
